Coating applications to natural fiber composites to improve their physical, surface and water absorption characters

Natural (organic) fibers are used in reinforced composites and natural fiber composites (NFCs). These fibers have advantages over synthetic fiber composites such as high mechanical properties, lower densities and biodegradability. However, one major disadvantage of NFCs is their hydrophilicity. In this study, we report a method to prepare dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS)-flax composites which can be subsequently coated with acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) and polymerized by UV light with Irgacure®819 initiator. The physical, mechanical and water resistance properties of coated DDGS-flax composites were compared to the untreated samples. Results showed that water resistance property was improved by AESO coating. The surface roughness, color and mechanical properties of coated DDGS-flax composites only slightly differed from untreated composites.